Vanilla-Cake

There’s a certain magic to a classic vanilla cake; its simplicity is its charm. This vanilla cake recipe embodies that timeless elegance, offering a tender crumb and a rich, buttery flavor that feels like a warm hug. The secret lies in the quality of the ingredients and the care taken in each step of the process. From the creamy butter and sugar base to the aromatic vanilla that fills your kitchen as it bakes, every bite of this cake is a celebration of traditional baking at its finest. Perfect for any occasion, this vanilla cake stands as a testament to the beauty of classic recipes done right.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
   • Gradually add the sugar, beating until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake the Cakes:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
   • Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
   • Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
   • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
   • Decorate as desired.